Community Update: July 2, 2020
Dear residents, families, staff, caregivers and friends:
I hope this message finds you well. I want to share with you some great news regarding the COVID-19 testing in conjunction with the St. Mary’s County Health Department. As of July 1, Cedar Lane officially completed its universal testing of staff members, residents and live-in caregivers. I am pleased to report that everyone from Cedar Lane who was tested through this initiative was negative at the time for the COVID-19 virus.
I would like to congratulate our community members and the team from the Health Department on the successful implementation of this major undertaking. If you feel a great sense of pride and excitement at this result – you should. It’s remarkable that we have come this far. However, I need to stress that this is just a snapshot of what was going on several days ago. Everyone is still expected to practice frequent handwashing, social distancing and wear a face covering (fabric mask, bandana or scarf) when entering or leaving the building and while in public spaces. Any area outside your personal apartment is considered a public space.
Sadly, the United States is Setting Record Numbers of New Cases
As you’ve probably read or heard on the news, the United States reported 49,932 new coronavirus cases yesterday, which was the fifth single-day case record in eight days. As new cases rise, many states and localities are reversing their decisions to reopen riskier businesses and activities. Any of us can still get sick. It is essential to continue good health practices. If it is warranted, Cedar Lane will continue diagnostic testing to help battle the spread of the virus.
If You Feel Sick, Seek Help
If you begin to experience symptoms of COVID-19, please call your personal healthcare provider or call ahead to a local urgent care or the hospital’s Emergency Department. Anyone who is experiencing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Ongoing Testing in St. Mary’s County
If you didn’t take advantage of free testing at Cedar Lane, or if you would like to be tested again, please visit one of the following test sites:
St. Mary’s County Health Department – Harm Reduction Office, 46035 Signature Lane in Lexington Park, MD 20653
- Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (not open Friday, July 3 due to the holiday)
- Appointment-free
- Doctor’s order for testing: Not required
- Walk up for testing, parking is available
- For assistance or accommodations, please call ahead to (301) 862-1680
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
- Monday – Friday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (not open Friday, July 3 due to the holiday)
- Outpatient Pavilion, 25500 Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown, MD 20650
- Appointment-free
- Doctor’s order for testing: Required
- Call your personal doctor or the COVID-19 Community Hotline at 301-475-4911
- Drive-Thru, stay in your vehicle and an associate will come out to you
Independence Day Holiday Schedules
- COVID-19 Test Sites will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2020. Additionally, due to state laboratory closures on July 3, COVID-19 testing offered at St. Mary’s County Health Department’s Harm Reduction Program Office will close early, at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2020. These testing sites will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 6.
- Cedar Lane offices will be closed on Friday, July 3 for the holiday.
- St. Mary’s Transit System (STS) & Statewide Transportation Assistance Program (SSTAP) will be closed on Saturday, July 4. STS will be open for normal business hours prior to and after the holiday. SSTAP will return to its normal schedule on Monday, July 6.
For all of us, the past several months have been unlike anything we’ve witnessed in our lifetime. Yet each day, our community’s resilience and fortitude inspire me. Eventually, I hope that we will look back on this as a moment in time when we worked together to make the best of a difficult situation with compassion and understanding.
On a brighter note, today’s fried chicken dinner was prepared by Kevin’s Corner Kafé, and made possible by Friends of Cedar Lane. We hope this will be a fun and delicious way to kick off Independence Day Weekend.
I’m anxious for the day when we can join together in person to celebrate a return to some kind of normal. Until that time, I wish you all good health and my sincerest gratitude for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Beverly Stickles
President & CEO